Jones blasts Leeds fans

20 October 2012 06:47

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Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones described Leeds supporters as "vile animals" and called for them to be banned from every ground in the country after his goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by a visiting fan during the 1-1 draw at Hillsborough.

Kirkland was left "sore and dazed" after being assaulted by a Leeds fan who had run onto the pitch to celebrate Michael Tonge's superb second-half equaliser, which cancelled out Jay Bothroyd's first-half header.

A visibly shaken Jones said: "We should be talking about a really highly charged, good game of football. But we can't get away from what went on. You can't let them get away with that. They are vile animals."

He added: "They need to clean their house and get it in order. And they should be banned from every away ground from now until they sort it. That was an absolute disgrace. I thought those days were gone. It spoils it because it was a really good derby game.

"I said to Neil (Warnock, the Leeds manager) to then go and send his players to clap them (the fans).I'm sorry that's not right. If you're going to make a stand make a stand in your own house. That's wrong and I've told him. I'll tell him when I see him again.

"I really am fuming that he sent his players to clap them. For what? Wrecking a stadium, beating up my goalkeeper?"

Leeds released a statement immediately after the match condemning the actions of the fan who pushed Kirkland in the face and publicly apologising for his actions.

Warnock also condemned the assault on Kirkland and revealed he had asked the police during the first half whether they wanted him to try to calm both sets of fans down.

He said: "It's just so sad and disappointing. If anything it stopped us winning the game. The club has made a statement and I'm pleased, we don't condone that. I hope the authorities and constabulary take the appropriate action.

"I thought both sets of fans were a little bit volatile tonight, you're going to get that in a 30,000 local derby and it was a high-tempo, exciting thing without that incident. I did say to the police in the first half, did they want me to go over and calm them down but they said that might inflame it even more."